The Federal Government will reduce doctors’ contributions to the cost of rescuing the United Medical Protection (UMP) group, with the aim of levelling the playing field for medical indemnity insurers.

The move comes now UMP has returned to financial strength sooner than expected, due to the Government’s indemnity scheme under which it covers the costs of UMP’s incurred but not reported liabilities.

Health Minister Tony Abbott says doctors making UMP support payments will now pay less and for a shorter time.